Sprinkler head



Sept. 13, 1966 E. J. HUNTER 3,272,436

SPRINKLER HEAD Filed May 18, 1964 Hill? F 6. 2 F 8 INVENTOR.

EDW/A/ d 740N752 ,4 rroe NE VS United States Patent 3,272,436 SPRINKLERHEAD Edwin J. Hunter, Riverside, Califi, assignor to Moist OMatic, Inc.,Riverside, Califl, a corporation of Minuesota Filed May 18, 1964, Ser.No. 368,190 7 Claims. (Cl. 239204) This invention relates to sprinklerheads, more particularly to sprinkler heads of the pop-up, non-rotatingtype. Included in the objects of this invention are:

First, to provide a sprinkler head of this type which is normally a fullcircle sprinkler, but which may be readily converted to a quartercircle, half circle, or three-quarter circle sprinkler as installationrequirement dictate.

Second, to provide a sprinkler head of this type having four sprinklerjets, one for each quadrant, and a readily inserted means to inactivateselected sprinkler jets, and whereby, in order to orient the sprinklerjets with respect to the area to be covered, does not require anadjustment of more than a quarter turn of the sprinkler head on itsriser pipe.

Third, to provide a sprinkler head wherein the component parts areuniquely suited for manufacture from injection molded plastic partscapable of being readily assembled and held together by a single screw.

Fourth, to provide a sprinkler head of this type which incorporates anovel strainer disposed ahead of the sprinkler orifices.

With the above and other objects in view as may appear hereinafter,reference is directed to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a side view of the sprinkler head shown in its extendedposition having a portion broken away in section,

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged partial sectional partial side view of thesprinkler head assembly removed from its housing;

FIGURE 3 is a top view of the sprinkler jet cone;

FIGURE 4 is a top view of the sprinkler jet plug;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view thereof taken through 5- 5 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is a top view of the strainer;

FIGURE 7 is a top view of the base member;

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary view corresponding to FIGURE 2 and showing amodified form of the distributor or deflector cone.

The sprinkler head includes a housing 1 having a cylindrical portion 2open at its upper end. The cylindrical portion is provided with are-entrant lower end 3 which is internally screw-threaded. Extendingdownward and axially into the re-entrant lower end 3 is an annularsealing lip 4. The upper end of the housing is provided with a radialflange 5.

Slidably mounted in the housing 1 is a base member 6 which includes astem 7 adapted to extend through the annular lip 4. The stem 7 isprovided with a flared entrance end 8 adapted to engage the annular lip4. The entrance end 8 is flared after insertion of the stem through thelip 4 so that the stem is permanently retained with respect to thehousing 1.

The upper end of the base member is provided with the radially enlargedshallow cup 9. The cup has a flat bottom from which extends radial webs10 which support a central post 11 disposed in coaxial relation with thestem 7. The post is spaced from the stern so that water may flowupwardly through the stem and between the webs 10 into the cup 9.

Fit-ted within the cup 9 is a conical strainer 12 comprising a pluralityof concentric strainer rings 13 is connected with radiating webs 14.

Fitted over the cup 9 is a sprinkler jet cone or cover 34,272,435Patented Sept. 13, 1966 ice member 15 including a conical outer surface16 terminating in an annular lip 17 which fits over the upper end of thecup 9 and forms a sealed connection therewith. The sprinkler jet cone 15is provided with a central opening so that the cone 15 fits slidablyover the central post 11. The upper portion of the bore is flared.outwardly to form a conical recess 18 surrounding the central post 11.The cone 15 is provided with a set of four upwardly extending sprinklerorifices 19 which intersect the circle or annular rim 15w defined by theconical outer surface 16 and the conical recess 18.

The conical recess 18 receives a spray distributor or deflector 20 inthe form of an inverted cone so as to provide upwardly diverging conicalsurfaces overlying the discharge ends of the sprinkler orifices 19.

In order to provide different types of spray patterns, distributors ordeflectors of various shapes may be substituted for the deflector 20.For example, as shown in FIGURE 8, an alternative or modified deflector21 is illustrated wherein the conical outer surface slopes at adifferent angle than the distributor 20.

Mounted on the distributor 20 or 21 is a spacer ring 22 having anannular notch in its under surface which mates with the upper extremityof the distributor. Radially outward of the distributor the undersurface of the spacer ring slopes upwardly at an angle to avoidinterference with the spray pattern, or, alternatively, its peripheralportion 23 may be positioned for engagement with the spray stream so asto modify its pattern.

The spacer ring 22 supports a disc cover 24 dimensioned to close theopen upper end of the housing 1 when the sprinkler is in its retractedposition. The cover disc or cap 24 is provided with a central beveledaperture which receives the head of a screw 25 adapted to screw threadinto a socket provided in the central post 11. The single screw 25secures the various parts of the sprinkler head together.

The sprinkler as described functions as a full circle sprinkler. Eachsprinkler orifice and the cooperating portion of the distributor 20causes the resulting spray to cover a quadrant of the circle. It ishighly desirable, however, that the sprinkler be capable of modificationso as to cover a quarter circle, a half circle or threequarters of acircle. This is accomplished by the plug member 26 shown particularly inFIGURES 2, 4 and 5. The plug member comprises a partial plate of threesegments 27 joined by fracture notches 28. Each segment is provided witha plug boss 29. The segments 27 are dimensioned so as to be held betweenthe upper portion of the strainer 12 and the under side of the sprinklerjet cone 15 below the orifices 19 and the plug bosses 29 are adapted toenter and seal selected orifices.

If the plug member as shown in FIGURE 4 is employed, then three of thefour orifices are closed so that the sprinkler functions as a quartercircle sprinkler. As any three of the four orifices may be closed thedirection of the quarter circle spray may be in any of the fourdirections. Inasmuch as the sprinkler head is screw threaded onto ariser 30 the sprinkler head need be turned a maximum of only in order tobe oriented in the desired direction. If it is desired. to sprinkle ahalf circle or three-quarter circle, then one of the segments is brokenoff. The two remaining segments are used to provide a half circle spray,whereas a single segment is utilized to provide a three-quarter spray.

It will be observed that the parts of the sprinkler head may be readilyformed of plastic material and that, in particular, the distributor 20or 21 and the plug member 26 are inherently inexpensive. Thus byfurnishing the plug member 26 and a pair or more of the distributors, asingle sprinkler head may be readily and quickly modified to meet a widevariety of conditions. This is of substantial importance for it greatlyreduces the inventory requirements.

Particular attention is called to the specific relationship of thesprinkler orifices l9 and the distributor 20 or 21. It is found that bylocating the discharge end of the sprinkler orifice so that a portionactually intersects the distributor cone then flows along the surfacethereof and further by causing the radially outward portion of the jetstream to impinge on the radially inner portion of the jet stream as itflows on the surface of the cone. The distribution over a quarter circleis quite uniform so that the spray from the four jet orifices complementeach other and insure uniform distribution. If desired, of course, anadditional number of ports may be provided.

It Will also be noted that the conical strainer 12 has a relativelylarge straining area compared to the overall dimensions of the sprinklerhead. More particularly, the spacing between the entrance ends of theconcentric rings form the narrowest portions of the strainer openings,thus minimizing the wedging of sand between the strainer rings. As aconsequence, even though a large number of particles too large to passthrough the strainer may collect under the strainer the intersticesbetween such large particles provide, accumulatively, ample area forflow of water. Thus the strainer while preventing clogging of thesprinkler orifices does not itself create an excessive pressure dropeven under adverse conditions.

While the particular embodiments of the present invention have beenshown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art thatchanges and modifications may be made without departing from theinvention in its broader aspects and, therefore, the aim in the appendedclaims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within thetrue spirit and scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A sprinkler head, comprising:

(a) a hollow member having a water inlet, and including an upper wallhaving externally, radially inner and radially outer conical surfacesconverging upwardly and intersecting to form an annular rim, and a setof at least four upwardly directed equally spaced discharge portsintersecting said annular rim;

(b) a deflector having a conical surface fitting said radially innerconical surface and continuing upwardly and outwardly beyond said rim todeflect in complementary arcs water issuing from said ports;

() a segmental element Within said hollow member including plugsinserted in selected ports thereby to restrict water discharge toselected arcs;

(d) and a strainer Within said hollow member including means forsupporting said segmental element contiguous to said selected ports.

2. A sprinkler head, comprising:

(a) a cylindrical housig open at its upper end and having a restrictedinlet at its lower end;

(b) a tubular stern slidable in said inlet, between a retracted and anextended position, and sealingly engaging said inlet when in itsextended position to form a continuation of said inlet;

(c) an enlarged hollow mem'ber joined to the upper end of said stem andguided by said housing;

(d) said hollow member including an upper wall having externally,radially inner and radially outer conical surfaces converging upwardlyand intersecting to form an annular rim, and at least one upwardlydirected discharge port intersecting said annular nm;

(e) and a deflector having a conical surface fitting said radially innerconical surface and continuing upwardly and outwardly beyond said rim todeflect in complementary arcs Water issuing from said ports.

3. A sprinkler head, comprising:

(a) a cylindrical housing open at its upper end and having a restrictedinlet at its lower end;

(b) a tubular stem slidable in said inlet, between a retracted and anextended position, and sealingly engaging said inlet when in itsextended position to form a continuation of said inlet;

(c) an enlarged hollow member joined to the upper end of said stem andguided by said housing;

(d) said hollow member including an upper wall having externally,radially inner and radially outer conical surfaces converging upwardlyand intersecting to form an anuular rim, and a set of at least fourupwardly directed equally spaced discharge ports intersecting saidannular rim;

(e) a deflector having a conical surface fitting said radially innerconical surface and continuing upwardly beyond said rim to deflect incomplementary arcs water issuing from said ports;

(f) and removable means within said hollow member for closing selecteddischarge ports, thereby to restrict water discharge to selected arcs.

4. A sprinkler head, comprising:

(a) a cylindrical housing open at its upper end and having a restrictedinlet at its lower end;

(b) a base member including a tubular stem slid-able in said inletbetween a retracted and an extended position, and sealingly engagingsaid inlet when in its extended position to form a continuation of saidinlet, an enlarged cup-shaped upper end guided in said housing, and acentral upwardly directed post;

(c) a cover member surrounding said post and closing said base member toform a hollow chamber, said cover member having externally, radiallyinner and radially outer conical surfaces converging upwardly andintersecting to form an annular rim, and a set of at least four upwardlydirected equally spaced discharge ports intersecting said annular rim;((1) a deflector fitted on said post and having a conical faceconforming to the radially inner conical surface of said cover memberand continuing upwardly:

and outwardly beyond said rim to deflect in complementary arcs waterissuing from said ports; (e) and a cap mounted on said post retainingsaid deflector thereon, and clearing the spray fromsaidports, said capdimensioned to close said housing when said base member is retracted.

5. A sprinkler head, comprising:

(a) a hollow member including a water inlet at its lower side and anupper wall, said wall having a ring of upwardly directed dischargeports;

(b) a deflector joined to said upper Wall contiguour to said dischargeports, said deflector having an under surface diverging upwardly todeflect water upwardly and outwardly from said discharge ports;

(c) and an initially single piece partial plate underlying said ring ofports and closing all but one of said ports, said plate being notched toform a series of separable segments corresponding to the overlying portswhereby selected segments may be broken off from the plate when it isdesired to activate selected ports.

6. A sprinkler head, comprising:

(a) a cylindrical housing open at its upper end and having a restrictedinlet at its lower end;

(b) a tubular stern slidable in said inlet, between a retracted and anextended position, and sealingly engaging said inlet when in itsextended position to form a continuation of said inlet;

(c) an enlarged hollow member joined to the upper end of said stem andguided by said housing, said hollow member including an upper wallhaving a ring of upwardly directed discharge ports;

(d) and a deflector joined to said upper wall contiguous to said ring ofdischarge ports, said deflector having an under surface divergingupwardly to deflect water upwardly and outwardly from said dischargeports.

7. A sprinkler head, comprising:

(a) a cylindrical housing open at its upper end and having a restrictedinlet at its lower end;

('13) a tubular stem slidable in said inlet, between a retracted and anextended position, and sealingly engaging said inlet when in itsextended position to form a continuation of said inlet;

(c) an enlarged hollow member joined to the upper end of said stem andguided by said housing, said hollow member including an upper wallhaving a ring of upwardly directed discharge ports;

(d) a deflector joined to said upper wall contiguous to said ring ofdischarge ports, said deflector having an under surface divergingupwardly to deflect Water upwardly and outwardly from said dischargeports;

(e) and a segmental element within said h-ollow memher including plugsinserted in selected ports thereby to restrict water discharge to theremaining ports.

5 References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,214,038-1/1917 Humphrey 239-520 1,639,162 8/1927 Brooks 239-204 1,717,8876/1929 Noack 239-204 10 2,190,639 2/1940 Wittek 239-505 2,566,781 9/1951Tetzlafl? 239-518 2,634,163 4/1953 Double 239-520 2,879,946 3/1959Stipek 239-520 15 2,935,266 5/1960 Coleondro 239-513 2,943,798 7/1960Rienks 239-513 M. HENSON WOOD, JR., Primary Examiner.

EVERETT W. KIRBY, Examiner. 20 D. L. MOSELEY, V. C. WILKS, AssistantExaminers.

1. A SPRINKLER HEAD, COMPRISING: (A) A CYLINDRICAL HOUSING OPEN AT ITSUPPER END AND HAVING A RESTRICTED INLET AT ITS LOWER END; (B) A BASEMEMBER INCLUDING A TUBULAR STEM SLIDABLE IN SAID INLET BETWEEN ARETRACTED AND AN EXTENDED POSITION, AND SEALINGLY ENGAGING SAID INLETWHEN IN ITS EXTENDED POSITION TO FORM A CONTINUATION OF SAID INLET, ANDENLARGED CUP-SHAPED UPPER END GUIDED IN SAID HOUSING, AND A CENTRALUPWARDLY DIRECTED POST; (C) A COVER MEMBER SURROUNDING SAID POST ANDCLOSING SAID BASE MEMBER TO FORM A HOLLOW CHAMBER, SAID COVER MEMBERHAVING EXTERNALLY, RADIALLY INNER AND RADIALLY OUTER CONICAL SURFACESCONVERGING UPWARDLY AND INTERSECTING SAID ANNULAR RIM; OF AT LEAST FOURUPWARDLY DIRECTED EQUALLY SPACED DISCHARGE PORTS INTERSECTING SAIDANNULAR RIM; (D) A DEFLECTOR FITTED ON SAID POST AND HAVING A CONICALFACE CONFORMING TO THE RADIALLY INNER CONICAL SURFACE OF SAID COVERMEMBER AND CONTINUING UPWARDLY AND OUTWARDLY BEYOND SAID RIM TO DEFLECTIN COMPLEMENTARY ARCS WATER ISSUING FROM SAID PORTS; (E) AND A CAPMOUNTED ON SAID POST RETAINING SAID DEFLECTOR THEREON, AND CLEARING THESPRAY FROM SAID PORTS, SAID CAP DIMENSIONED TO CLOSE SAID HOUSING WHENSAID BASE MEMBER IS RETRACTED.